Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Product Decorator
What product decorators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a product decorator?
Review designs. From there, the day usually includes paint designs, apply decals, and pad or screen print. Full or part time, daytime hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a product decorator working full time.
- Review designs.
- Mix glaze colors.
- Hand-paint mugs.
- Pad print logos.
- Apply decals.
- Inspect pieces.
- Clean brushes.
Where product decorators work
Decorators work in factories, studios and bakeries.
Hours and schedule
Full or part time, daytime hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Paint designs
- Apply decals
- Pad or screen print
- Mix colors
- Follow samples
- Inspect finishes
- Clean equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Brushes
- Airbrushes
- Pad printers
- Screens
- Stencils
- Spray booths
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative work
- No degree needed
- Visible results
- Steady pace
What’s hard
- Repetitive designs
- Fumes
- Low pay
- Small field
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love painting
- I have steady hands
- I like detail
- I can repeat designs
- I like creative work
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Product Decorator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use spray booths
- Wear respirators for sprays
- Store paints safely
- Ventilate